![- 12 jumbo pasta shells - 1 lb ground beef - 1 small onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce - 1 cup ricotta cheese - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1 cup sour cream - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - Salt and pepper to taste Jumbo pasta shells are key to this dish. They hold the rich filling well. Ground beef adds hearty flavor. Diced onion and minced garlic give a lovely base. Tomato sauce ties all the flavors together, making it comforting. - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried basil - Fresh parsley for garnish (optional) Dried oregano and basil bring out the best in beef. These herbs add warmth and depth. Fresh parsley gives a nice touch of color and freshness. You can add it on top just before serving. - 1 cup ricotta cheese - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese Ricotta cheese makes the filling creamy and smooth. Mozzarella adds a nice stretch when melted. Parmesan gives a sharp taste that rounds out the flavors. Combining these cheeses creates a delicious filling that makes each bite special. For the full recipe, check out the details above. Enjoy cooking this rich and hearty dish! To start, we need to cook the jumbo pasta shells. Bring a big pot of salted water to a boil. Add the shells and cook them until they are al dente. This usually takes about 10 minutes. Once done, drain the shells and set them aside to cool. Next, we will brown the ground beef. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook it until it turns brown. This should take about 5 to 7 minutes. Make sure to drain any excess fat to keep the dish lighter. Now, letās mix the cheese filling. In a bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, sour cream, and Parmesan cheese. Stir it well until all the ingredients blend together nicely. Time to stuff the pasta shells! Take each cooked shell and fill it with the cheese mixture. Place them in a single layer in a 9x13 inch baking dish. For layering, spread a thin layer of the beef mixture on the bottom of the baking dish. Arrange the stuffed shells on top. Then, pour the remaining beef mixture over the shells. Make sure each shell gets a good coating. Lastly, top it off with the rest of the mozzarella cheese. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake it in the preheated oven at 350Ā°F for 25 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes. This will make the cheese bubbly and golden. Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. If you like, you can garnish it with fresh parsley. Enjoy this rich and comforting creamy beef shells casserole! For the complete details, check out the Full Recipe. To make your creamy beef shells truly shine, focus on balancing seasonings. Use herbs like oregano and basil to add depth. Taste as you cook to adjust salt and pepper. This keeps the flavors bright and fresh. For a creamy texture, mix ricotta, sour cream, and mozzarella well. This blend gives a smooth filling. If you want extra creaminess, add a splash of milk or cream. This tip helps make each bite melt in your mouth. Avoiding soggy pasta is key. Cook the jumbo shells until just al dente. This means they should still have a bit of bite. Drain and cool them before stuffing. This keeps them firm and ready for the oven. Check cooking times for the beef. Cook it until browned but not dry. The beef should be juicy and flavorful. Follow the instructions closely to keep the right texture in your dish. When serving, pair the casserole with a simple salad. A fresh garden salad brightens the meal. Add a light vinaigrette for a nice contrast. This helps balance the richness of the casserole. For presentation, sprinkle fresh parsley on top. It adds a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve the casserole hot from the oven for the best taste. To impress your guests, use a nice serving dish that highlights the layers. If you're curious about the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. {{image_2}} You can switch the ground beef for other meats. Try ground turkey or chicken for a lighter meal. If you prefer a plant-based option, use lentils or mushrooms. These alternatives add unique flavors and textures. For dairy-free options, replace ricotta and sour cream with cashew cream or tofu. Nutritional yeast can add a cheesy flavor too. This way, everyone can enjoy the casserole. Adding vegetables can boost nutrition and flavor. Spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers work well. Just sautĆ© them with the beef for a few minutes. This adds color and freshness to the dish. You can also play with spices. Try adding chili powder for heat or smoked paprika for depth. Experimenting with spices can make your casserole stand out. You can make a single-layer casserole for a quick meal. Just layer the stuffed shells and sauce. For a more impressive dish, create a multi-layer version. Alternate layers of pasta, sauce, and cheese. Different sauces can change the whole dish. Swap the tomato sauce for Alfredo for a creamy twist. Or, use pesto for a fresh and herbal flavor. These variations keep the recipe exciting and new. For a full recipe, check out the main section on Rich and Comforting Creamy Beef Shells Casserole. To keep your creamy beef shells casserole fresh, store it properly. Place leftovers in an airtight container. This way, it won't absorb other smells from the fridge. Itās best to refrigerate within two hours after baking to ensure food safety. When you want to reheat, set your oven to 350Ā°F (175Ā°C). Cover the dish with foil to keep moisture in. Heat for about 20-25 minutes or until warmed through. Freezing is a great option if you want to save some for later. Let the casserole cool completely before freezing. Use a freezer-safe container or wrap it tightly in foil. Make sure to label it with the date. To thaw, place it in the fridge overnight. This keeps the texture nice. If you're in a hurry, you can thaw it in the microwave on the defrost setting. In the fridge, the creamy beef shells casserole lasts about 3-4 days. If you freeze it, it can last for up to 3 months. After that, it may lose flavor and texture. Always check for any signs of spoilage before eating. To prevent the shells from breaking, handle them gently. After cooking, drain and cool the pasta. Use a large spoon to scoop them out. Avoid stacking them on top of each other. When stuffing, fill each shell carefully. If you drop a shell, pick it up right away. Yes, you can make this casserole ahead of time. Prepare it up to the baking step. Cover it tightly and store it in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to two days. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. This helps it heat evenly. This casserole pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas: - Garlic bread - Steamed broccoli - Mixed green salad - Roasted vegetables - Simple coleslaw These sides will add fresh flavors and textures. Enjoy your meal! You can find the full recipe [here](#). This blog post covered the key ingredients, steps, and tips for making creamy beef shell casserole. You learned about essential items like jumbo pasta shells, ground beef, and flavorful cheeses. I shared ways to prep and assemble your dish for the best results. Use my tips to avoid soggy pasta and enhance flavor. Finally, explore variations or storage options to make this recipe your own. Now it's time to get cooking and enjoy a delicious meal!](https://toastedrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/dbdc4dee-b942-490c-bb61-e6507a53b566.webp)
Craving comfort food that warms the soul? Look no further than this Rich and Comforting Creamy Beef Shells Casserole! You’ll love how easy it is to make, with tender pasta shells stuffed with savory ground beef and a creamy, cheesy filling. In this blog post, I’ll guide you through each step to create this delicious dish, along with helpful tips and tasty variations! Let’s dive in and get cooking!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
– 12 jumbo pasta shells
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
– 1 cup ricotta cheese
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1 cup sour cream
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
Jumbo pasta shells are key to this dish. They hold the rich filling well. Ground beef adds hearty flavor. Diced onion and minced garlic give a lovely base. Tomato sauce ties all the flavors together, making it comforting.
Seasonings and Garnishes
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Dried oregano and basil bring out the best in beef. These herbs add warmth and depth. Fresh parsley gives a nice touch of color and freshness. You can add it on top just before serving.
Cheese Varieties
– 1 cup ricotta cheese
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Ricotta cheese makes the filling creamy and smooth. Mozzarella adds a nice stretch when melted. Parmesan gives a sharp taste that rounds out the flavors. Combining these cheeses creates a delicious filling that makes each bite special.
For the full recipe, check out the details above. Enjoy cooking this rich and hearty dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepping the Ingredients
To start, we need to cook the jumbo pasta shells. Bring a big pot of salted water to a boil. Add the shells and cook them until they are al dente. This usually takes about 10 minutes. Once done, drain the shells and set them aside to cool.
Next, we will brown the ground beef. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook it until it turns brown. This should take about 5 to 7 minutes. Make sure to drain any excess fat to keep the dish lighter.
Assembling the Casserole
Now, let’s mix the cheese filling. In a bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, sour cream, and Parmesan cheese. Stir it well until all the ingredients blend together nicely.
Time to stuff the pasta shells! Take each cooked shell and fill it with the cheese mixture. Place them in a single layer in a 9×13 inch baking dish.
Baking the Casserole
For layering, spread a thin layer of the beef mixture on the bottom of the baking dish. Arrange the stuffed shells on top. Then, pour the remaining beef mixture over the shells. Make sure each shell gets a good coating.
Lastly, top it off with the rest of the mozzarella cheese. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake it in the preheated oven at 350°F for 25 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes. This will make the cheese bubbly and golden.
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. If you like, you can garnish it with fresh parsley. Enjoy this rich and comforting creamy beef shells casserole! For the complete details, check out the Full Recipe.
Tips & Tricks
Achieving the Perfect Flavor
To make your creamy beef shells truly shine, focus on balancing seasonings. Use herbs like oregano and basil to add depth. Taste as you cook to adjust salt and pepper. This keeps the flavors bright and fresh.
For a creamy texture, mix ricotta, sour cream, and mozzarella well. This blend gives a smooth filling. If you want extra creaminess, add a splash of milk or cream. This tip helps make each bite melt in your mouth.
Cooking Tips
Avoiding soggy pasta is key. Cook the jumbo shells until just al dente. This means they should still have a bit of bite. Drain and cool them before stuffing. This keeps them firm and ready for the oven.
Check cooking times for the beef. Cook it until browned but not dry. The beef should be juicy and flavorful. Follow the instructions closely to keep the right texture in your dish.
Serving Suggestions
When serving, pair the casserole with a simple salad. A fresh garden salad brightens the meal. Add a light vinaigrette for a nice contrast. This helps balance the richness of the casserole.
For presentation, sprinkle fresh parsley on top. It adds a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve the casserole hot from the oven for the best taste. To impress your guests, use a nice serving dish that highlights the layers.
If you’re curious about the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe].
Variations
Ingredient Substitutions
You can switch the ground beef for other meats. Try ground turkey or chicken for a lighter meal. If you prefer a plant-based option, use lentils or mushrooms. These alternatives add unique flavors and textures.
For dairy-free options, replace ricotta and sour cream with cashew cream or tofu. Nutritional yeast can add a cheesy flavor too. This way, everyone can enjoy the casserole.
Flavor Enhancements
Adding vegetables can boost nutrition and flavor. Spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers work well. Just sauté them with the beef for a few minutes. This adds color and freshness to the dish.
You can also play with spices. Try adding chili powder for heat or smoked paprika for depth. Experimenting with spices can make your casserole stand out.
Casserole Style Variations
You can make a single-layer casserole for a quick meal. Just layer the stuffed shells and sauce. For a more impressive dish, create a multi-layer version. Alternate layers of pasta, sauce, and cheese.
Different sauces can change the whole dish. Swap the tomato sauce for Alfredo for a creamy twist. Or, use pesto for a fresh and herbal flavor. These variations keep the recipe exciting and new.
For a full recipe, check out the main section on Rich and Comforting Creamy Beef Shells Casserole.
Storage Info
Refrigeration
To keep your creamy beef shells casserole fresh, store it properly. Place leftovers in an airtight container. This way, it won’t absorb other smells from the fridge. It’s best to refrigerate within two hours after baking to ensure food safety. When you want to reheat, set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the dish with foil to keep moisture in. Heat for about 20-25 minutes or until warmed through.
Freezing Tips
Freezing is a great option if you want to save some for later. Let the casserole cool completely before freezing. Use a freezer-safe container or wrap it tightly in foil. Make sure to label it with the date. To thaw, place it in the fridge overnight. This keeps the texture nice. If you’re in a hurry, you can thaw it in the microwave on the defrost setting.
Shelf Life
In the fridge, the creamy beef shells casserole lasts about 3-4 days. If you freeze it, it can last for up to 3 months. After that, it may lose flavor and texture. Always check for any signs of spoilage before eating.
FAQs
How do I prevent the shells from breaking?
To prevent the shells from breaking, handle them gently. After cooking, drain and cool the pasta. Use a large spoon to scoop them out. Avoid stacking them on top of each other. When stuffing, fill each shell carefully. If you drop a shell, pick it up right away.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this casserole ahead of time. Prepare it up to the baking step. Cover it tightly and store it in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to two days. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. This helps it heat evenly.
What can I serve with creamy beef shells casserole?
This casserole pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas:
– Garlic bread
– Steamed broccoli
– Mixed green salad
– Roasted vegetables
– Simple coleslaw
These sides will add fresh flavors and textures. Enjoy your meal! You can find the full recipe [here](#).
This blog post covered the key ingredients, steps, and tips for making creamy beef shell casserole. You learned about essential items like jumbo pasta shells, ground beef, and flavorful cheeses. I shared ways to prep and assemble your dish for the best results. Use my tips to avoid soggy pasta and enhance flavor.
Finally, explore variations or storage options to make this recipe your own. Now it’s time to get cooking and enjoy a delicious meal!
![- 12 jumbo pasta shells - 1 lb ground beef - 1 small onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce - 1 cup ricotta cheese - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1 cup sour cream - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - Salt and pepper to taste Jumbo pasta shells are key to this dish. They hold the rich filling well. Ground beef adds hearty flavor. Diced onion and minced garlic give a lovely base. Tomato sauce ties all the flavors together, making it comforting. - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried basil - Fresh parsley for garnish (optional) Dried oregano and basil bring out the best in beef. These herbs add warmth and depth. Fresh parsley gives a nice touch of color and freshness. You can add it on top just before serving. - 1 cup ricotta cheese - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese Ricotta cheese makes the filling creamy and smooth. Mozzarella adds a nice stretch when melted. Parmesan gives a sharp taste that rounds out the flavors. Combining these cheeses creates a delicious filling that makes each bite special. For the full recipe, check out the details above. Enjoy cooking this rich and hearty dish! To start, we need to cook the jumbo pasta shells. Bring a big pot of salted water to a boil. Add the shells and cook them until they are al dente. This usually takes about 10 minutes. Once done, drain the shells and set them aside to cool. Next, we will brown the ground beef. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook it until it turns brown. This should take about 5 to 7 minutes. Make sure to drain any excess fat to keep the dish lighter. Now, let’s mix the cheese filling. In a bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, sour cream, and Parmesan cheese. Stir it well until all the ingredients blend together nicely. Time to stuff the pasta shells! Take each cooked shell and fill it with the cheese mixture. Place them in a single layer in a 9x13 inch baking dish. For layering, spread a thin layer of the beef mixture on the bottom of the baking dish. Arrange the stuffed shells on top. Then, pour the remaining beef mixture over the shells. Make sure each shell gets a good coating. Lastly, top it off with the rest of the mozzarella cheese. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake it in the preheated oven at 350°F for 25 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes. This will make the cheese bubbly and golden. Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. If you like, you can garnish it with fresh parsley. Enjoy this rich and comforting creamy beef shells casserole! For the complete details, check out the Full Recipe. To make your creamy beef shells truly shine, focus on balancing seasonings. Use herbs like oregano and basil to add depth. Taste as you cook to adjust salt and pepper. This keeps the flavors bright and fresh. For a creamy texture, mix ricotta, sour cream, and mozzarella well. This blend gives a smooth filling. If you want extra creaminess, add a splash of milk or cream. This tip helps make each bite melt in your mouth. Avoiding soggy pasta is key. Cook the jumbo shells until just al dente. This means they should still have a bit of bite. Drain and cool them before stuffing. This keeps them firm and ready for the oven. Check cooking times for the beef. Cook it until browned but not dry. The beef should be juicy and flavorful. Follow the instructions closely to keep the right texture in your dish. When serving, pair the casserole with a simple salad. A fresh garden salad brightens the meal. Add a light vinaigrette for a nice contrast. This helps balance the richness of the casserole. For presentation, sprinkle fresh parsley on top. It adds a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve the casserole hot from the oven for the best taste. To impress your guests, use a nice serving dish that highlights the layers. If you're curious about the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. {{image_2}} You can switch the ground beef for other meats. Try ground turkey or chicken for a lighter meal. If you prefer a plant-based option, use lentils or mushrooms. These alternatives add unique flavors and textures. For dairy-free options, replace ricotta and sour cream with cashew cream or tofu. Nutritional yeast can add a cheesy flavor too. This way, everyone can enjoy the casserole. Adding vegetables can boost nutrition and flavor. Spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers work well. Just sauté them with the beef for a few minutes. This adds color and freshness to the dish. You can also play with spices. Try adding chili powder for heat or smoked paprika for depth. Experimenting with spices can make your casserole stand out. You can make a single-layer casserole for a quick meal. Just layer the stuffed shells and sauce. For a more impressive dish, create a multi-layer version. Alternate layers of pasta, sauce, and cheese. Different sauces can change the whole dish. Swap the tomato sauce for Alfredo for a creamy twist. Or, use pesto for a fresh and herbal flavor. These variations keep the recipe exciting and new. For a full recipe, check out the main section on Rich and Comforting Creamy Beef Shells Casserole. To keep your creamy beef shells casserole fresh, store it properly. Place leftovers in an airtight container. This way, it won't absorb other smells from the fridge. It’s best to refrigerate within two hours after baking to ensure food safety. When you want to reheat, set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the dish with foil to keep moisture in. Heat for about 20-25 minutes or until warmed through. Freezing is a great option if you want to save some for later. Let the casserole cool completely before freezing. Use a freezer-safe container or wrap it tightly in foil. Make sure to label it with the date. To thaw, place it in the fridge overnight. This keeps the texture nice. If you're in a hurry, you can thaw it in the microwave on the defrost setting. In the fridge, the creamy beef shells casserole lasts about 3-4 days. If you freeze it, it can last for up to 3 months. After that, it may lose flavor and texture. Always check for any signs of spoilage before eating. To prevent the shells from breaking, handle them gently. After cooking, drain and cool the pasta. Use a large spoon to scoop them out. Avoid stacking them on top of each other. When stuffing, fill each shell carefully. If you drop a shell, pick it up right away. Yes, you can make this casserole ahead of time. Prepare it up to the baking step. Cover it tightly and store it in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to two days. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. This helps it heat evenly. This casserole pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas: - Garlic bread - Steamed broccoli - Mixed green salad - Roasted vegetables - Simple coleslaw These sides will add fresh flavors and textures. Enjoy your meal! You can find the full recipe [here](#). This blog post covered the key ingredients, steps, and tips for making creamy beef shell casserole. You learned about essential items like jumbo pasta shells, ground beef, and flavorful cheeses. I shared ways to prep and assemble your dish for the best results. Use my tips to avoid soggy pasta and enhance flavor. Finally, explore variations or storage options to make this recipe your own. Now it's time to get cooking and enjoy a delicious meal!](https://toastedrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/dbdc4dee-b942-490c-bb61-e6507a53b566-300x300.webp)